What a wonderful story! Hello from the opposite corner of the states, Seattle area of Washington.
I don't come from a family tradition of quilting but decided I wanted to make a quilt as a senior in high school. 40 years later I'm still making and still learning. Like you, I'm more than happy to share my advice from 40 years of trial and a lot of errors to help others learn from my mistakes.
I'm expecting my first and probably only grandbaby this year. I'm so excited!